Choosing the Best Crib
A crib is a crucial fixture in your nursery for many years so it's crucial to choose a crib you enjoy looking at. Avoid cribs with cutouts, or drop-sides that your little one could fall into, and opt for one that can be easily converted to a toddler bed, or daybed.
Safety
We want to give our children the best possible start in life. This begins with a crib that's safe. It's not necessary to have a crib that has many missing or loose pieces and you shouldn't choose one that doesn't meet the current safety standards. When purchasing a crib, make sure that it has CPSC, ASTM or JPMA certification.
The slats of the crib should be spaced to stop children from getting their hands or heads in the slats and also they shouldn't contain any cut-outs for decorative purposes or other ornaments that could create a risk. A mattress support system is essential to ensure the safety of your crib and must be capable of adjusting to various heights to accommodate your child as they develop.
Avoid dangling items such as curtains or blinds since they could strangle your child. Check your crib for loose or missing items and replace them if needed.
Some cribs come with an additional side panel that can be removed. However, it will not stay down for long. They are great for parents who wish to co-sleep without the risks of bed sharing, but make certain that you're in a room free of windows and radiators and that your baby isn't too close to the window or curtain sill.
If you're seeking a crib that is environmentally friendly, consider one made of wood from sustainable forests. You should also choose a crib that has been Greenguard Gold Certified. This means that it has passed a series of tests to ensure that there are no emissions of chemicals. If you're looking to go even further, you should look for a crib made of sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and is free of lead, phthalates, BPA, and over 360 other chemicals and VOCs.
Style
No matter if you want to create a classic or minimalist nursery, a stylish crib is a fantastic option. The SnuzPod4 fits well in tiny spaces since it's slim and sleek. It is also GREENGUARD Certified and comes with a lower height mattress setting. One of our test participants, Mother & Baby Editor Maria Martin, says the crib is "up there with the most beautiful cribs we've seen even in the midst of grey!"
This classic high-back crib is crafted from solid New Zealand pinewood and comes in a variety of contemporary colors that will match any style. It's heavier than the other cribs we evaluated, but is sturdy enough to last until toddlerhood and beyond. Its longer sides make it less aesthetically-pleasing than some other cribs, and you won't have a view of your little one from all four sides. It also takes up more space in the nursery when compared to some of our other top picks.
While it's a great choice for small spaces, its distinctive design can be challenging to find bedding and sheets for. It's also a bit bulkier than our other choices, and it will likely require dismantling in order to fit through standard doors when moving from room to the next.
Standard cribs are usually made from wood, including maple oak, ash mahogany, cherry, or birch. They tend to be more durable than other materials and resist damage better than soft pine. Be aware that some manufacturers choose pine over harder hardwoods to save money. This can make the crib more prone to dent and scratches, which may require more frequent cleaning.
Another benefit of a standard crib is that it typically includes a toddler rail, which can ensure your child's safety from falling down and climbing. However, keep in mind that a lot of cribs designed for toddlers will require you to purchase your own separate toddler bed rail to ensure security.
Convertibility
There are numerous things to think about when choosing a crib. Consider the size, style, slats and whether it is convertible. It is crucial to choose a crib you like because it will be a part of your baby for a long period of time. You should also choose the crib that will go with the decor of your home, no matter if it's traditional or modern.
A convertible crib is a great option since it grows with your child into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed. This will save you money over the long term because you won't need to buy a mattress for your child.
There are a variety of convertible cribs available However, some stand out better than others. The Graco Benton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a good example. It is GREENGUARD gold-certified that means it is in compliance with or exceeds federal safety standards for construction and finish. It also has three mattress settings that can be adjusted and a low-profile that allows you to easily take your child into and out of it. It is also easy to build, taking less than 15 minutes with the use of a cordless drill/driver.
Another option that is worth considering is the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 convertible crib. This crib is a great value and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. It is a classic crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed or daybed. The crib is simple to assemble, and its low profile makes it easier for parents to get in and out.
The last crib on our list, the Oeuf Brooklyn convertible crib. This crib is a great option for minimalists who want to keep their nursery designs simple and tidy. It's a stylish and affordable crib that can be outfitted to become a full-size toddler bed or bed with the purchase of an optional rail and kit. This crib was built in Italy using eco-friendly production methods. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified and designed to be used together with the brand's mattresses that are free of toxics.
Budget
A quality crib should have sturdy construction and straightforward assembly instructions that lead to relatively frustration-free installation. A stylish design that fits with your nursery decor is also important. There are numerous cribs available to be bought at various prices.
The Stokke Sleepi Bed, for instance, is among the most versatile options that are available. It can be used as a bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed. It also has the ability to roll and rock to gently rock your baby to sleep or create an incline that is gentle for babies with reflux. The canopy and drape rods provide the baby with a cozy, womb-like atmosphere. It can also be used as a portable play space, providing your child with a safe and comfortable space to rest when they are traveling.
Another option that doesn't skimp on design is the Oeuf Sparrow crib, which is a modern-day crib that combines environmentally friendly materials. The solid birch and Baltic birch plywood crib is sustainably made in Europe to last generations (and can be passed down from siblings) and is compliant with all CPSC safety standards, which include no cutouts with decorative edges or drop-sides which could catch clothing. It has no rough or sharp edges, and can easily be dressed by sheets.
Some parents prefer a minimalist crib that matches their modern or contemporary home. Others may prefer a more refined design that complements the decor of the room. If you fall into the latter group of parents and want a crib that is more formal, the Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 crib is a fantastic choice. via transforms from a bassinet into a mini-crib and then a full-size crib, without the need for mattresses or bars.
If you're a parent who's not into fussiness, opt for the simpler and cleaner-looking cribs. The Union 3-in-1 and Babyletto Hudson cribs both have all the components you require to assist your baby to grow into an adult. However, they have more of a traditional style compared to other models such as the Storkcraft Equinox 3 in 1 or the Dream on Me Ashton 5 in 1.